Twenty-nine months ago General Motors announced it would have 20 fully-electric vehicles by 2023. There’s been scant news about progress with its carbon-free future since then. In fact, it gave the impression it was in reverse gear when it withdrew its plug-in hybrids Cadillac CT6 and Chevrolet Volt. However, when GM announces better low cobalt batteries we realize something has been going on behind the scenes.
GM Announces Better Low Cobalt Batteries Called Ultium
The battery packs are lithium–ion but with considerably less cobalt according to Engadget. That is a surprise in itself, because cobalt enables structural stability and excellent conductivity during recycling. Was it not for these benefits during early development, the product may not even have made it to market.
So it’s something of a surprise when GM announces better low cobalt batteries incorporating superior performance. The product promises up to 400-mile range, and 60 mph in 3 seconds. It also delivers up to 200kW fast-charging, although that’s still less than Tesla’s 250kW best. The pouch cells can pack level, vertical, or in a combination to optimize available space.
A New and Improved Chemistry for Lithium-Ion Cells
General Motors is never in a mood to give away secrets. However, we do know their chemistry differs from the NMC standard of nickel, manganese, and cobalt cathode coatings.
Forbes thinks their Ultium battery adds aluminum. This holds promise of replacing cobalt and nickel down the road. On December 12, 2019 GM and LG Chem announced a joint venture to mass-produce battery cells following a $2.3 billion investment. This venture will include a new, 1,100-job factory near Lordstown, Northeast Ohio.
It seems probable the Ultium battery is a brain child of this initiative. When GM announces better low cobalt aluminum batteries, we know something interesting will come from this.
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Preview Image: GM Ultium Batteries in Position
